Unsafe Lead Levels in Staten Island New York Soil Causes Health Concerns and Poses Risk for Injury

The Staten Island Advance is reporting that unsafe levels of lead were found in the soil in the Port Richmond area of Staten Island, New York.

Tests performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) between June 8 an June 12 from 13 homes show that lead levels are approximately 549 parts per million (ppm) in the tested area.  This level is higher than the normal residential, high use, bare soil lead levels which are usually approximately 400 ppm.

The homes at which the soil was tested were the homes closest to a toxic industrial site on the North Shore.  It is believed that the toxic industrial site is the cause of the extremely high lead levels in the soil but more investigations are being done to confirm the reports.

Many residents in the Port Richmond area, especially those with young children, are very worried about the high levels of lead contamination that were recently found. 

Some symptoms caused by lead poisoning are:

• Stomachaches, cramping, constipation or diarrhea
• persistent, unexplained fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness in hands and feet
• Loss of appetite

More serious side affects include but are not limited to:

• Memory loss
• Learning problems
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma
• and sometimes death

If you believe that you or your child are suffering from lead poisoning contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.  Lead poisoning is a very serious condition and should be addressed immediately.

If your child was injured from lead contamination contact Frank J. Dito Jr., a Staten Island child injury attorney, at 718.979.4300.  Lead poisoning may be due to dangerous levels of lead in toys, paint or in the soil due to contamination (such as what was recently found in Staten Island, New York).